Simplistic Elements

Hi friends! How has the week been treating you? I’ve been busy in the day job and busy in décor projects. Last weekend I decorated a space for a college graduation dinner party. It was considered a semi formal event with place settings.

I was challenged by having to set it up in the living room of a home and it had to seat 20 people. The only guidelines I was given that she wanted the space to sparkle! I also did the space on budget décor wise. Since this space was for a friend I used items from my own home for the focal wall décor.

So below is the before. The left with the furniture. The right with the furniture removed.

To prep the space I first measure out the length of the tables and I taped them out of the floor to ensure that they would fit in the space. I also had to envision the chairs being there and the path for people to walk.

Below are the completed pictures of the décor in the day.

I stringed a total of 4 light strings across the room and used clear command hooks to keep them hanging without making holes in the wall. The candles you see on the table were borrowed but added a nice contrast against the table runner and setting. I purchased the Eucalyptus branches at Trader Joes for $5 a bunch.

I purchased sheer curtains at Burlington Coat Factory that were $30. It was a necessary purchase as you will see in the night shots.

I wanted to make sure that when one entered the room their eyes had a focal point and that is fireplace wall. The mantle has a quirky design set up so I chose to do a intential mix up of textures and items while staying neutral with colors.

The gorgeous sparkly mirror I purchase at ross for $25.99. The orchid also from Ross for $19.99 and the mirrored vase next to it for $7.99. The green wreaths are mine that you have seen throughout my house and I think they are Marshalls or TJ Maxx. Same with the candles. The silver rings with the flower and vine I made myself with things purchased at Michaels. I don’t think I have blogged that so I will for sure in the future! Super easy!

The centerpieces were provided by the client and composed of dollar tree items (vase and flowers) Inside were battery operated twinkle lights. The water goblets also came from the Dollar Tree. The silverware you see is plastic along with the plates.

I purchase the plates from Marshalls. Large plates came in pack of 24 for $12.99 and the smaller plates were in a 40 pack for $6.99. The napkins are from Party City and were about $3 a pack.  Lighting is so interesting because neither the plates or napkin were bright gold as pictured. They were more of a rose gold/copper color.

The runner I found at Homegoods on clearance for $7 each!!! I managed to even find 4 of them in one store which was a complete score. They are not as gold as they look in the picture. More of a light copper/blush color.

And here is to the night! I placed twinkle lights over the curtain and the mantle for a little extra sparkle.

There you have it! A sophisticated dinner party that didn’t break the bank and doesn’t require a lot of clean up with disposable dinner ware.

Let me know if you all are interested in some dinner party tips and tricks! Until next time!